Article - Landscaping - LandscapingWay.com

WALLS AND FENCES

The solid form of most walls lends a scene of performance. Age a new landscape by building a wall with old materials it will seem to have always been there. Planting vines to creep over it marries a wall to the garden. Tall walls can appear imposing, adding a hint of exclusiveness or creating an air of mystery by piquing curiosity about what is out of view. Walls taller than eyelevel can seem forbidding and unfriendly when built next to a sidewalk with no planting between. What kind of wall you build will depend on what affect you are trying to achieve.

Walls don’t have to be tall; they can be less than a foot high. A low line of stacked stones makes an effective area divider; a short wall topped with a picket fence makes a clearly defined boundary that doesn’t obscure views. The line the wall follows influences the style of you landscape; a wall that meanders has an informal flair. Walls that follow predictable paths add a formal touch. Walls may be made of stone, brick, adobe, concrete, stucco, or any combination of materials. The type of material you use can make a design statement as well. A solid brick wall makes an area fell secluded. An unmortared stone wall is perfect for a cottage or rustic look.

Building larger walls can get expensive. To cut costs, you can construct walls of concrete block and cover the face with a decorative veneer. When planning to build a wall, you must take legal restrictions into consideration. Remember that walls need footings, which may extend beyond its width on both sides-make sure you’ve planned enough room.

Fences offer even more style variations than walls. Waist-high picket fences add cottage charm and define space without seeming unfriendly. Tall privacy fences screen unwanted views or create privacy. Rustic fences can suggest a cabin or country side settings. Fences maybe made of wood, wire, metal, or a plastic material that resembles real wood. Choose one or combine materials to get the look and level of maintenance you want. Decide whether you want to completely block views or merely add a sense of separation from surrounding areas. Remember you don’t have to use one type of wall or fence around your entire property. Consider repeating materials to create unity, but vary heights to serve a host of purposes.